Oxbridge Essays

Are UK Students Too Dumb For Dickens?

Elly — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 00:51:30 +0000

Respected Dickens biographer Claire Tomalin has come forward on the eve of the great author's bicentenary to claim that UK pupils are no longer able to appreciate the classic works of great writers like Dickens and Shakespeare.

You Know You’re A Student When…

admin — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 09:16:04 +0000

It can be one of the most exciting, rewarding and fun experiences of your life being a student in the UK. It can also be stressful, daunting and lonely. From managing all the essays, exams and workloads to balancing it with a thrilling social life, the modern day student really can have the time of [...]

University Applications Statistics Revealed

Ed — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 01:34:49 +0000

Figures released by UCAS show the full extent of the impact of raised tuition fees on this year's crop of university applications. We take a closer look at the numbers.

University Tuition Fees Commission Created

Ed — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 08:55:53 +0000

A new tuition fees commission has been set up to investigate the effects of the new higher education funding scheme, paying particular attention to the impact on students from poorer backgrounds. Will Hutton will lead the commission.

What’s in a Name? New College vs. The New College

bruno — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 13:53:02 +0000

A battle between academia old and new has commenced, with New College, Oxford fighting the New College of the Humanities for exclusivity over its name. It's all a little bit childish really...

Saying No to Oxbridge

Elly — Tue, 24 Jan 2012 13:05:49 +0000

Schoolgirl Elly Nowell sent a scathing rejection letter to Magdalen College, Oxford, criticising its interview procedure for being elitist and intimidating. We look more closely at the details of her complaint.

Fewer than 1 in 5 UK University Professors Are Female

Ed — Sat, 21 Jan 2012 17:36:20 +0000

Nearly half of all university academic staff in the UK are female, so why do women hold fewer than 1 in 5 of the most senior academic posts? We investigate the truth behind this shocking statistic.

Is Cambridge Defend Education Defensible?

bruno — Wed, 18 Jan 2012 12:06:47 +0000

Cambridge Defend Education has divided opinion with its tuition fees protests, its occupations and its interruption of a speech by Universities Minister David Willetts. With respected Cambridge professors stepping into the ring, we look at the arguments both for and against the controversial group.

Are Degrees Being Devalued?

Elly — Sat, 14 Jan 2012 12:38:54 +0000

Statistics released this week reveal a huge rise in the number of first class degrees being awarded by UK universities. But is it really a good thing, or are we starting to devalue degrees?

UK to Revamp Education Technology and Computing in Schools

Ed — Wed, 11 Jan 2012 22:40:51 +0000

Education Secretary Michael Gove has announced plans to completely revamp Britain's outdated and behind-the-times IT teaching, with a new curriculum coming into force as early as this September. We look into the details of the scheme and report on what the sceptics are saying...

University Applications Remain Sluggish

admin — Sat, 07 Jan 2012 14:58:39 +0000

As the deadline for UCAS university applications approaches, tuition fees have deterred more than 20,000 UK students from applying this year. Some groups are far more severely affected than others, we reveal.

UK University Rankings 2012

bruno — Tue, 03 Jan 2012 17:55:36 +0000

We bring you the most important information from the major UK university league tables for 2012 in one simple, concise article!

School English Language Support Threatened

Elly — Fri, 30 Dec 2011 16:30:48 +0000

In a further blow to UK schools, the government is considering cutting the amount of English language support available to pupils who speak English as a second language...

UK Education Damaged by Cuts

Ed — Tue, 27 Dec 2011 23:05:08 +0000

New research undertaken by the Guardian newspaper reveals disturbing evidence that the drastic education cuts are already having a marked effect on UK schools.

UK Exam Board Scandal Exposed

Elly — Thu, 22 Dec 2011 16:38:51 +0000

In a shocking undercover report, the Daily Telegraph has provided footage of examiners at examination board conferences providing teachers with the details of specific questions to be set on forthcoming papers. We ask what this will mean for UK education.

Will Tuition Fees Drive UK Students Abroad?

Ed — Mon, 19 Dec 2011 18:32:06 +0000

Will soaring tuition fees drive the best and brightest UK pupils abroad for university? Top academis fear that UK universities might lose not only their best pupils but also their most talented researchers to positions abroad.

UK Students Turn to Prostitution

bruno — Fri, 16 Dec 2011 11:45:45 +0000

Disturbing new claims suggest that increasing numbers of students are turning to prostitution and lap dancing to fund their education, as university tuition fees soar to £9000.

Alan Bennett Denounces Tuition Fees

Ed — Tue, 13 Dec 2011 12:07:15 +0000

Great British playwright Alan Bennett has lamented the certain impact raised tuition fees will have on talented students from disadvantaged backgrounds. Bennett denounced the coalition government's tuition fees scheme, saying that it will prevent talented writers like himself from working-class backgrounds from managing to reach university.

Real Oxbridge Interview Questions Answered: Music

Elly — Fri, 09 Dec 2011 04:25:38 +0000

Learn how to ace an Oxbridge interview with our sample answers to real Oxbridge interview questions. This week we tackle a topic from a real Oxbridge interview for a candidate applying to study music.

One Fifth of Universities Change Tuition Fees

bruno — Mon, 05 Dec 2011 11:57:13 +0000

More bad news for university admissions this week, as last-minute tuition fees changes throw applicants into turmoil. Those who have already applied miss out on the chance to take advantage of lowered fees at 25 universities, while worrying evidence suggests that the lowered fees are a direct result of withdrawn bursary and scholarship funding.

University Applications at “Crisis Point”

Ed — Thu, 01 Dec 2011 12:21:15 +0000

As the university applications period progresses, the number of students applying for higher education courses continues to fall dramatically compared to this time last year. The government continues to make excuses, but the opposition has stepped forward with a bold new promise for higher education.

Real Oxbridge Interview Questions Answered: Modern Languages

Elly — Mon, 28 Nov 2011 13:11:02 +0000

How do you ace an Oxbridge Interview? This week, our Real Oxbridge Interview Questions series looks at modern languages. We take a genuine modern languages interview question and explore ways to answer it successfully.

Cambridge Students Force Willetts Out

Elly — Fri, 25 Nov 2011 15:56:30 +0000

A dramatic confrontation took place at Cambridge University this week, where anti-tuition fees protesters confronted Universities Minister David Willetts during an organised lecture and forced him to leave the stage, abandoning his speech.

Willetts Defends Tuition Fees

bruno — Tue, 22 Nov 2011 11:29:36 +0000

As the tuition fees furore rages on and early figures indicate plunging numbers of university applicants, David Willetts has given an interview desperately attempting to defend his tuition fees policy. The results are far from convincing.

Real Oxbridge Interview Questions Answered: Medicine

Elly — Fri, 18 Nov 2011 14:21:29 +0000

This week's Real Oxbridge Interview Questions Answered blog takes on one of the most feared interviews of all: medicine. Discover what an Oxbridge medicine admissions tutor is really looking for and how to deliver it through the interview, with a genuine Oxford University interview question as an example.

Top Universities Ranked by Profession

Ed — Tue, 15 Nov 2011 14:15:05 +0000

A new league table reveals the best UK universities for studying vocational subjects that lead to particular professions. The resulting rankings hold several surprises, considerably shaking up the 'usual list' of top UK universities.

Real Oxbridge Interview Questions Answered: History

Elly — Fri, 11 Nov 2011 15:49:25 +0000

This week our Real Oxbridge Interview Questions blog turns to history, one of the most popularly studied subjects at university. The genuine interview question from Oxford University reveals some surprising truths about what the interviewer is really looking for...

Tuition Fees Protesters Face Rubber Bullets

bruno — Tue, 08 Nov 2011 14:41:35 +0000

Police have revealed that the potential use of rubber bullets has been approved against those marching in the protest against rising tuition fees this Wednesday. The move, which could be said to implicitly criminalise the legitimate act of protest and suggest that students and young people are more likely to be violent than adult protesters, has outraged politicians and human rights groups.

Real Oxbridge Interview Questions Answered: Engineering

Elly — Fri, 04 Nov 2011 12:57:28 +0000

Ever wanted to know how to approach a question in an Oxbridge interview? Nervous about the 'scary' Oxbridge interview process? Wish you could see some examples of actual past Oxbridge interview questions? You've come to the right place! This week: Engineering.

UCAS ‘Favours Rich Kids’

Ed — Tue, 01 Nov 2011 14:53:28 +0000

UCAS, the university applications body, has published the results of a report into the whole university applications process, which suggests that the current system may allow unfair advantages to pupils from private schools and privileged backgrounds. It has recommended a comprehensive overhaul of the system, including a move for university places to be allocated after A-level grades have been awarded.

Real Oxbridge Interview Questions Answered: Law

Elly — Fri, 28 Oct 2011 13:57:41 +0000

Law can be one of the most intimidating subjects to prepare for at interview, as many candidates worry about not knowing enough technical detail. This genuine Oxford Interview question shows that technique is actually much more important than prior knowledge.

University Applications Plummet as Tuition Fees Rise

Ed — Tue, 25 Oct 2011 19:38:25 +0000

Early figures show a dramatic drop in applications to university from UK students. We look at the details behind the statistics, and consider who has been most severely deterred from applying to higher education as a result of the new tuition fees system.

Real Oxbridge Interview Questions Answered: Biological Sciences

Elly — Sun, 23 Oct 2011 21:54:53 +0000

More great admissions tips this week as we tackle another real Oxbridge interview question and consider some of the many ways in which it might be successfully answered. This week's subject is Biological Sciences.

Tuition Fees Chaos Wreaks Havoc with University Applications

bruno — Fri, 21 Oct 2011 12:44:08 +0000

With 28 universities announcing plans to revise their tuition fees arrangements, university applications have been thrown into chaos. Tens of thousands of students trying to navigate the already complex fees arrangements are now being forced to make blind decisions about where to apply. We explain the developments that have caused these problems, and who is likely to be worst affected.

Real Oxbridge Interview Questions Answered: English Literature

Elly — Mon, 17 Oct 2011 15:53:09 +0000

The first in a new series of blogs taking individual genuine Oxbridge interview questions and showing a wide variety of ways to tackle them at interview. This week, English Literature.

Slashed EMA Hits College Enrolment

bruno — Thu, 13 Oct 2011 13:33:08 +0000

As predicted by campaigners and protesters, the enrolment figures now prove that the government decision to slash the Education Maintenance Allowance has had a devastating effect on college enrolment figures amongst the poorest students. Read on for a detailed analysis of the facts and figures.

Real Oxbridge Interview Questions Revealed!

Elly — Mon, 10 Oct 2011 22:47:59 +0000

In a controversial move, specific genuine Oxbridge interview questions have been released for the first time in an attempt to demystify the applications process. We look at the set of questions released and draw conclusions from them about what to expect from an Oxbridge interview, and how you are expected to answer.

World University Rankings Revealed

Ed — Thu, 06 Oct 2011 13:34:14 +0000

This year's World University Rankings have finally been revealed, and a great upset has caused controversy at the top of the table. We analyse the results, both internationally and focussing on the top 20 UK Universities listed.

Should Children Leave School at 14?

Elly — Mon, 03 Oct 2011 20:39:59 +0000

Former Chief Inspector of schools Sir Chris Woodhead has called for the school leaving age in England to be reduced to 14, provoking a furiously heated response across the country. We examine his argument, and those angrily raised against it.

Bursaries Fail to Attract Poor Students

bruno — Thu, 29 Sep 2011 14:55:14 +0000

Worrying new statistics show that increasing financial support in the form of bursaries does not necessarily help attract students from disadvantaged backgrounds to apply to elite universities. We ask what this means for the new tuition fees scheme and how we can address the problem of equal access to university for all.

Is the Internet Good or Bad for Education?

Elly — Sun, 25 Sep 2011 14:33:24 +0000

The birth of the internet heralded a new age for education. But has it ultimately been a positive or a negative influence? Can fabulous resources and online lecture series outweigh the risks of cyberbullying and cheating? We consider the arguments on both sides.

How To Get Into Oxbridge: Interview

Ed — Thu, 22 Sep 2011 23:58:27 +0000

Forget the warnings; forget the horror stories; our 'How to Get into Oxbridge' blog is here to demystify the Oxbridge interview process! Follow our top tips to interview and application success!

Are UK Universities Racist?

Elly — Tue, 20 Sep 2011 19:20:09 +0000

A spate of disturbing stories regarding racism in UK higher education has recently hit the headlines. We look more closely at the incidents and consider the problem of racism at UK universities.

Should Schools Bring Back Corporal Punishment?

bruno — Fri, 16 Sep 2011 14:10:29 +0000

A surprising survey this week revealed that almost half of parents and an astonishing number of pupils would like to see corporal punishment or caning brought back to the British classroom.

How to get into Oxbridge: The Personal Statement

Elly — Mon, 12 Sep 2011 20:57:56 +0000

Our 'How to Get into Oxbridge' blog series continues, with a whistle-stop guide to writing the perfect personal statement. In ten concise, simple tips, we take you from start to finish, with insider advice on how to craft the personal section 10 of your UCAS form!

Tuition Fees Loan Scheme ‘Crazy’

Elly — Fri, 09 Sep 2011 11:22:15 +0000

A new report from a highly respected think tank has branded government plans to penalise early repayment of student loans 'crazy'. The think tank, CentreForum, claims hard working middle-income graduates will be hit by the scheme.

UK Tops World University Rankings

Ed — Tue, 06 Sep 2011 18:43:32 +0000

A new table published this week ranks Cambridge University as the very best in the world, but the creator of the rankings warned that bad news is swiftly to follow for UK higher education...

How To Get Into Oxbridge: Colleges

Elly — Fri, 02 Sep 2011 12:08:04 +0000

Applying to Oxbridge can seem like a daunting mountain to climb, but our 'How to Get into Oxbridge' blog series is here to help. This week, we take you through the steps of choosing the college that's right for you!

‘Soft’ Subjects on the Rise

Ed — Tue, 30 Aug 2011 12:59:23 +0000

As the dust clears from this year's bumper crop of GCSE results, more statistics come to light about the popularity of traditional academic subjects. Some trends are very surprising indeed...

GCSE Gender Gap Widens

bruno — Thu, 25 Aug 2011 11:38:45 +0000

As the gender gap in GCSE grades widens for yet another year in a row, we take a closer look at the figures and ask what causes could be behind the discrepancy.

Report Claims Tuition Fees Unfair and Unworkable

Elly — Mon, 22 Aug 2011 22:17:49 +0000

The long-awaited Higher Education Policy Institute response to the government's white paper on higher education has arrived, and it isn't pretty. We summarise its condemnation of the new tuition fees policy and the damning predictions for the damage to be caused to social mobility and fair access to education.

A Level Results Chaos

Ed — Fri, 19 Aug 2011 20:42:25 +0000

With UCAS websites crashing and the clearing system inundated with calls, this year's A-level results day ran less than smoothly. One can only wonder what chaos will be in store next year, when varied tuition fees and financial arrangements are thrown into the mix...

Should School Discipline Be Stricter?

bruno — Mon, 15 Aug 2011 17:42:09 +0000

Following a wave of violence on British streets, politicians and campaigners have questioned school discipline, asking whether stricter rules in school would translate to better behaviour outside the classroom.

Are Young People to Blame for Riots?

Ed — Thu, 11 Aug 2011 08:11:21 +0000

With the recent riots and violence being strongly linked by many to disorder amongst teenagers and students, we take a closer look at the reasoning and arguments to ask whether young people are really to blame. What role has education (or failures of education) played in the development of these problems?

Should Maths A-Level be Compulsory?

bruno — Tue, 09 Aug 2011 00:19:34 +0000

Carol Vorderman has produced a report advising the government to make maths compulsory in all schools until the age of 18. We look at some of the recommendations of the report, and gauge the reaction from both supporters and critics.

The Pros and Cons of E-Learning and Education Technology

Elly — Fri, 05 Aug 2011 12:29:33 +0000

With the new wave of education technology sweeping through our schools and colleges, we take a look at the pros and cons of the e-learning revolution.

University Bidding War for A-Grade Students

bruno — Tue, 02 Aug 2011 15:49:48 +0000

A controversial new government policy has sparked a bidding frenzy for students with the best A-Level grades, forcing universities into direct competition with one another. We look at the possible impact the new scheme might have on higher education.

Private Tutors for State Schools

Ed — Sat, 30 Jul 2011 12:15:21 +0000

The news that a private tutoring company would be setting up camp in several state schools caused controversy this week. We look at the details of the story, and ask whether it is an 'unethical use of public money'.

Should we be Cutting Student Visas?

Elly — Wed, 27 Jul 2011 13:55:28 +0000

Government plans to dramatically cut student visas have been heavily criticised this week. We look into the flaws in the plan and how they relate to other current higher education concerns.

Schools Scholarships Scheme

Ed — Sat, 23 Jul 2011 17:43:46 +0000

Simon Hughes, advocate for access to education, has recommended the government change its scholarship scheme to give schools, not universities, the right to award tuition fees scholarships in 2012. We look at the details and implications of the scheme.

UK Schools in Crisis

Elly — Tue, 19 Jul 2011 11:12:28 +0000

A concise summary of the plethora of problems currently facing the English schools system, along with a look at the potential solutions that might solve them.

£9000 Fees Confirmed by “Toothless” Regulator

bruno — Fri, 15 Jul 2011 12:18:20 +0000

When the government regulatory body OFFA announced this week that all English universities had been allowed to charge the fees they had set for themselves, equal access campaigners were angry but unsurprised. The 'toothless' regulators put in place by the government to allow tuition fees of £9000 only "under exceptional circumstances" have allowed fees to climb to an average of £8393.

Why Oxbridge?

Elly — Mon, 11 Jul 2011 15:38:42 +0000

After Adrian asked "why Oxbridge" on our blog last week, we started thinking about the reasons why students apply to Oxbridge before other UK universities. Here is our definitive list of the most important ways Oxford and Cambridge stand out from other universities and what really makes them so special.

Huge Gulf Revealed in Private: State Oxbridge Entry

Ed — Fri, 08 Jul 2011 11:40:32 +0000

New figures this week revealed a shocking divide between pupils from private and state schools getting into the elite Oxford and Cambridge Universities. Is Oxbridge entry biased, or does the problem lie elsewhere in the education system?

How to get into Oxbridge: Preparation

Elly — Tue, 05 Jul 2011 13:03:46 +0000

With competition this year due to be more fierce than it has even been, it has never been more important to get started early on Oxbridge application preparation. Our Oxbridge experts set out their key steps for preparing now, in advance of the application period in October. All you need to know to maximise your chances of getting into Oxbridge.

Does School Essay Writing Stifle Creativity?

bruno — Fri, 01 Jul 2011 14:09:32 +0000

As a government review finds that the SAT tests designed to assess 'creative writing' are actually stifling children's imaginations, we ask what is wrong with the current system and what can be done to re-introduce creativity to the classroom.

UK Universities Shake Up Explained

Elly — Tue, 28 Jun 2011 15:35:29 +0000

Today's higher education white paper laid out controversial proposals for universities in the UK. Confused? We outline the key points raised and summarise the arguments both for and against the reforms.

Students to Fight Tuition Fees in High Court

Ed — Sat, 25 Jun 2011 10:52:14 +0000

As the tuition fees furore continues, two teenagers have won an unprecedented battle to take the fight to the High Court. They will argue that the government's new tuition fees policy contravenes human rights law by disadvantaging students from poorer backgrounds and creating an elitist system where university is for the rich.

Private School Vs State school

Elly — Wed, 22 Jun 2011 14:12:47 +0000

The private school vs state school debate is one of the oldest and most hotly argued academic questions. We take a fresh look at some of the pros and cons of each type of schooling.

Too Many Stars at GCSE?

Ed — Sat, 18 Jun 2011 16:39:08 +0000

As examination board AQA unveils plans to introduce a new 'super' A* with distinction, we question the valididty and wisdom of introducing such levels of elitism to the academic system. Will they pick out the best and brightest students, or just those who are good at following the rules, and will they discriminate against state school pupils?

Should School Children Stop Watching Music Videos?

bruno — Tue, 14 Jun 2011 16:17:04 +0000

As media commentators battle it out over government plans to introduce age ratings for music videos, we explore the impact the music industry can have on children and their education.

Top UK Universities for Arts revealed

Elly — Fri, 10 Jun 2011 12:11:41 +0000

A surprising new study has been published, ranking the top universities worldwide for the arts and humanities. Whilst Oxford and Cambridge Universities perform competitively, the data is more surprising for other UK universities...

UK Super University Set To Open

Ed — Tue, 07 Jun 2011 10:20:04 +0000

Amidst the chaotic unravelling of the government's plans for higher education in England, an impressive group of famous academics has decided to open their own 'Super University' of the humanities to rival Oxford and Cambridge and provide the best possible education...to the privileged few who can afford it...

Oxbridge Revolt Against Tuition Fees!

bruno — Sat, 04 Jun 2011 13:08:53 +0000

In a historic move, academics from Oxford and Cambridge Universities seem likely to join forces to oppose the government's new higher education policy with a 'vote of no confidence' in Universities Minister David Willetts. We look at the way the new tuition fees policy has gradually unravelled.

Michelle Obama Inspires Students

Elly — Wed, 01 Jun 2011 15:01:42 +0000

Michelle Obama gave an inspirational speech to students from a London school during her recent trip to the UK. We look at why it is more important than ever for young people to be encouraged to reach for their academic goals, and question why there are not more UK role models for our students.

Custom Essays: Close Reference

Ed — Sat, 28 May 2011 14:28:11 +0000

Our final Custom Essays blog tackles the common 'close reference' essay question. With top tips on content, format and structure, you will be glad to have this custom essay up your sleeve in the exam room! Good luck!

Are Degrees worth the Debt?

bruno — Tue, 24 May 2011 16:06:03 +0000

A recent survey showed that half of current final-year university students would not start their degree again if fees were trebled. With tuition fees set to rocket to £9000, causing huge graduate debt, we consider the alternative and weigh up the arguments for and against university.

Custom Essays: ‘For and Against’

Ed — Fri, 20 May 2011 15:37:59 +0000

In the latest of our 'custom essays' blog series, we bring you a custom essay format for those common 'For and Against' style essay questions. With tips on all you need to include and a carefully designed essay structure, arm yourself for typical exam questions in advance!

University Versus College Degrees

Elly — Tue, 17 May 2011 11:39:10 +0000

As the government announces that colleges will provide full degrees at cheaper prices, we consider the implications for students making pivotal decisions about further education. Is it best to opt for a £9000 university degree, a cheaper college course, or simply to avoid higher education altogether?

Custom Essays: ‘How does the Writer…?’

Ed — Fri, 13 May 2011 12:20:09 +0000

Our third custom essay blog looks at the ideal essay format for answering 'How does the writer...?' style exam questions. We look at what information should be included and how it should be structured for top exam grades every time.

Top UK University Places for Sale

bruno — Tue, 10 May 2011 15:07:15 +0000

The government has caused an enormous public outcry by announcing they are considering plans to allow extra "off-quota" places to be created in addition to publicly funded university places. Protesters have disputed the plans, claiming they will allow rich students to 'buy their way in' to the UK's top universities, making a mockery of fair and equal access to higher education.

Custom Essays: ‘To what extent?’

Ed — Thu, 05 May 2011 16:05:54 +0000

This week's custom essays blog looks at the popular exam essay question 'To what extent...?' We create the perfect custom essay format to suit all 'To what extent' questions, adaptable to any subject. Read on for details, and a summarised essay structure.

Tuition fees will price poorest out of university

Elly — Tue, 03 May 2011 11:28:05 +0000

A shocking new survey is ruffling government feathers with conclusive statistics proving that over 50% of current final year university students would not have applied if tuition fees were £9000. We look at the details and implications of the survey.

The Secret of Custom Essays

Ed — Fri, 29 Apr 2011 15:52:36 +0000

Having prepared a strong custom essay format for each of a range of commonly asked exam questions is a great way to prepare for exams. With GCSEs and A Levels approaching, we look at a group of custom essays that will come in very handy indeed under exam pressure. This week: compare and contrast.

Save the EMA

bruno — Tue, 26 Apr 2011 14:44:19 +0000

A heartfelt plea from a 15 year old schoolboy has reopened the debate on the EMA. We recap the key details of the EMA and its demise, and outline the government's scheme to replace it with a £180 million fund. But will it be too little too late for UK education?

Are Girls Naughtier Than Boys?

Elly — Fri, 22 Apr 2011 12:27:09 +0000

A new survey of teachers across the UK has revealed startling results about deteriorating classroom behaviour. We ask whether girls really are naughtier than boys, whether it impacts on their academic achievements, and why classroom behaviour seems to be going downhill at such a pace.

Tuition Fees Revealed: Average Fees Above £8700

bruno — Tue, 19 Apr 2011 17:44:13 +0000

As the deadline arrives for universities to submit their proposed levels of tuition fees for 2012, we provide a condensed summary of all the vital facts and developments on tuition fees.

Is This The End For UK Essays?

Elly — Fri, 15 Apr 2011 17:14:42 +0000

As British classrooms turn increasingly to digital learning aids and education technology, are we witnessing the age of the demise of UK essays? Will the traditional essay writing style of education be replaced by faster, more modern online learning and testing techniques?

Students forced to make blind university choices

bruno — Tue, 12 Apr 2011 11:40:32 +0000

Yet more problems have beset the troubled tuition fees scheme this week, as it emerged that a major flaw in the government plan will disadvantage tens of thousands of students choosing to defer entry to take a gap year.

Oxbridge Outreach Isn’t Working

Ed — Fri, 08 Apr 2011 14:40:37 +0000

As England's top universities flock to announce top tuition fees of £9000, worrying statistics show that the top Oxbridge Universities have failed to meet targets to improve their intake of state school pupils. We ask why millions of pounds are being poured into access and outreach schemes that are quite obviously not working in the way they should.

Government “Wrong” on Tuition Fees

Elly — Tue, 05 Apr 2011 11:05:58 +0000

A concise overview of the current situation on tuition fees, explaining claims that the government has made mistakes in its education budget calculations for tuition fees, and setting out the potential outcomes of the situation.

Tuition fees to hit language courses

Ed — Fri, 01 Apr 2011 11:21:52 +0000

A new argument against the higher tuition fees system has been raised by universities concerned at the impact it will have on four-year modern language courses. These degrees include an extra year of study abroad, and institutions are concerned students will no longer be prepared to pay the extra price.

What really happened at the protests?

bruno — Tue, 29 Mar 2011 12:46:17 +0000

Reports of the mass protest against government cuts on March 26 have been so varied that it has been difficult for anybody to piece together a realistic picture of what actually took place. We pick through the wildly different accounts of the day to find out what really happened.

Is Home Schooling a Better System of Education

Elly — Fri, 25 Mar 2011 11:59:24 +0000

Statistics show that home schooling in the UK is on the rise, with many parents choosing to educate their children themselves rather than release them to mainstream education. We look at the reasons why they make this choice, as well as the potential dangers and disadvantages of home schooling.

£9000 Tuition Fees Could Mean Paying Back Double

Ed — Tue, 22 Mar 2011 13:55:24 +0000

A study by leading accountancy firms shows that students may have to pay back double the enormous student loans required to attend university under the new coalition government's plans for £9000 tuition fees. The longer repayment period is being billed as an attractive proposition by the government but will actuallly mean vast sums of interest accrued by graduate debts.

Are UK Students at Risk of Radicalisation?

bruno — Fri, 18 Mar 2011 11:53:18 +0000

Following several recent terrorist incidents involving recently graduated students of UK Universities, the government has stepped up its Prevent programme for anti-radicalisation. A review will call for closer monitoring of students for extremist tendencies by lecturers and university authorities. But will this be deeply damaging to the status of universities as an arena for free speech and debate?

Police Face Investigation into fees protests “criminal and gross misconduct”

Ed — Tue, 15 Mar 2011 11:43:50 +0000

The IPCC has confirmed that an investigation is underway into the "criminal and gross misconduct" of police officers who allegedly conspired to falsely arrest a student protester during the tuition fee protests last year.

Top UK University Rankings Revealed

Elly — Sat, 12 Mar 2011 12:38:04 +0000

A controversial new report by the Times Higher Education magazine has ranked the top 200 universities worldwide on the basis of their reputation alone. We take a look at the somewhat surprising list of UK universities making the international grade.

University Access Guidelines Published

Ed — Wed, 09 Mar 2011 09:47:10 +0000

We take a look at the OFFA guidelines released this week for access measures to be taken by universities charging tuition fees higher than £6000.

Digital exams to replace pen and paper testing?

bruno — Sat, 05 Mar 2011 11:36:43 +0000

As the chief executive of Ofqual proposes digital exams to replace old-fashioned written papers, we examine some of the many problems and difficulties that would arise as a result of such a system, and ask whether it would actually be such a good idea after all.